Professor Birch

Birch studies Pokémon in their natural environments. The opening rescue involving his fieldwork introduces the player’s first Pokémon and establishes exploration as part of the research assignment.

• Story: He supplies the research framework for the Hoenn Pokédex while the player’s journey moves through Gym battles and environmental crises. Returning to research milestones remains useful beyond the main story.
• In the game: He is a support character rather than a battle recruit. Check the distinction between collecting species and merely seeing them before pursuing a Pokédex-related reward or upgrade.

Story spoilers.

Pokémon Emerald · Game Boy Advance · 2004 · Original Game Boy Advance release; not Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire. · Picture: Professor Birch: Pokémon Emerald original-era artwork.